Underground Vaults

Journey along Edinburgh's Royal Mile hearing some of Edinburgh's darker history before visiting the infamous hidden and supposedly haunted vaults beneath the South Bridge in Edinburgh Old Town. Hear tales of how the poor and unfortunate lived in these former slums. Explore these dimly lit vaults by candlelight, once the haunt of criminals, body snatchers and witches alike, said by some to now be occupied by a few of the spirits of these inhabitants long since dead. Each vault has stories of crime, disease, death and lots more… with which your guide shall enlighten you in all the gory details! You will see a genuine witchcraft temple, recently used by a Wiccan coven and you will enter their former temple. Join us to learn why it is no longer safe for them to practice their craft in that vault. DARE you step inside the infamous stone circle?

Experience the world's most haunted city on a ghost tour of Edinburgh and be spooked by one of the city's most infamous sons as they lead you around the dark side of the Old Town. Discover the hidden wynds (alleys) off the Royal Mile and hear some of Edinburgh’s horrifying secrets. Then, visit what is regarded as the most haunted graveyard in the world at "Greyfriars Kirkyard." Finally, go deep underground and explore the Edinburgh Vaults beneath the streets. Completed in 1788, the series of chambers were used to house taverns and as storage space for illicit material, including the bodies of people killed by serial killers Burke and Hare for their medical experiments. Journey through over 400 years of history and hear terrifying true tales of hangings, torture, murders and witchcraft. Shiver at the weird noises and unexplained smells that make an appearance after dark!

Step into Scotland's rich and mysterious past on this captivating walking tour through Edinburgh's Old Town. Led by an engaging character guide, this experience blends history and storytelling for an unforgettable adventure. Uncover the stories of Scotland’s accused witches, exploring their lives and the accusations they faced, and the injustices they endured, all while surrounded by the city's eerie charm. You may even learn some facts about much-loved characters from Outlander and Harry Potter! Adding to the intrigue, the final 15 minutes of the tour will involve an exclusive visit to “The Lost Close” — this recently discovered underground site has been cloaked in mystery since the Great Fire of 1824. The ancient vault, where you will enjoy the remaining tales of the tour, dates back to 1742, offering a window into the past, and providing a fitting end to an immersive exploration of history and enchantment.

Whiskies you wouldn't be able to try otherwise, in an underground location unlike anything you've ever seen! 5 drams of top shelf whisky, the kind you'd pine over in the shop but never consider buying for yourself, and now is your opportunity to try it.

Your knowledgeable guide takes you to Greyfriar's Kirkyard, home of the famous Greyfriar's Bobby – nice dog – who had cocked his leg where rotting corpses lay below and whose names were made famous in many novels and history books, sending chills down many a reader's spine. Then on to the infamous and haunted Niddry Street underground vaults, most haunted place in Edinburgh and probably one of the scariest in the world! Once home to the destitute, prostitutes, criminals, witches and a hell-fire club, and is possessed by something evil that awaits you

Venture beneath Edinburgh’s streets and discover the city’s most haunted underground vaults — a chilling world of shadows and secrets, the Blair Street Underground Vaults, exclusively accessible with Mercat Tours. This immersive ghost tour offers a spine-tingling glimpse into true tales of Edinburgh’s dark past. Abandon thoughts of manufactured frights and make-believe scares. In the Blair Street Underground Vaults, it’s the true history that haunts. The skill is in the enhanced storytelling. These vaults witnessed the deeds of mischief-makers and murderers, vagrants, and torturers. It’s said to be one of Edinburgh’s most haunted sites, where restless spirits still tread to this day. Your cloaked Mercat Tours master storyteller will lead you through the shadowy closes of Edinburgh’s Old Town. These dark and dreary streets are untouched by daylight, filled with a strange silence – their damp walls carrying only the faintest echo of the crowds on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

We've always had a passion for donuts, but only recently did we realize just how many others do too. And when looking around, we didn't see anything that truly celebrated donuts in all their glory, hence the Underground Donut Tour was born. This tour is for anyone who truly enjoys donuts. At each location, you'll be able to try a curated sample or samples of that location's best donuts. Many locations offer vegan, gluten or nut free options, however, please make sure to let us know ahead of the tour, so we can make sure to highlight those specifically for you. Our tours include such favorites as Do-Rite Donuts, Firecakes, Stans, and Doughnut Vault.

The evening begins with a stroll through the dark closes and wynds of Old Town Edinburgh before descending into the haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults, where the scents and sounds of the past come alive. Finally, we’ll retire to a candlelit cellar for a dram of Scotch whisky and an intimate evening of ghostly storytelling. Listen to grisly tales of witchcraft, torture and restless spirits as you venture down medieval closes and descend into the haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults of Edinburgh on this ghost tour. Hear the distant clatter of workmen and whispers of criminals as you’re immersed in the atmosphere of the past. As night thickens, we’ll gather together in Megget’s Cellar for a whisky — or if you’re not fond of a dram, a glass of locally-made beer or soft drink. In the warmth of candlelight, your Storyteller will conjure more tales of Edinburgh’s ghoulish past, and the tortured souls that stalk the city’s streets.

Experience the eerie and frightening atmosphere of the haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults, which Mercat Tours has exclusive access to. Beware, though, for maybe those whispers you hear aren't just in your head… It might be something to do with the change in temperature. Or the perpetual darkness. Or the ever smaller rooms, stretching beyond the weak beam of a torch or flicker of candlelight. Whatever the reason, there’s something unsettling about the Blair Street Underground Vaults — and your master Storyteller will reveal the troubling tales on this underground Edinburgh ghost tour. From there, it’s on to the spooky Canongate graveyard, where the spirits of the dead await. On this Edinburgh underground vaults and graveyard ghost tour, you’ll hear countless tales of dastardly deeds and ghostly sightings in the very places where they occurred.

As darkness falls, and the witching hour creeps ever closer, join us for a spine tingling, late night, 80 minute walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town and underground. The often brutal past of Scotland’s capital creates a wholly unique, grand but somewhat unsettling atmosphere which lends itself to evening ghost tours. Let one of our costumed guides, playing an infamous, historical character, lead you through the Old Town’s winding closes, show you the notoriously haunted Greyfriars Kirkyard and reveal one of Edinburgh’s darkest secrets – the underground vaults that snake beneath the city. Hear gory, but always entertaining and revealing, tales of ghosts, torture, executions, murder, cannibalism and witchcraft. The scares on this tour do not depend on jump scares or cheap tricks but good storytelling.

Dark as the devil's heart, our haunted underground network of vaults from the 1700s will stimulate and excite your senses as the sinister history of these former slum dwellings, once inhabited by the poor and unfortunate along with criminals and prostitutes, begins to come to life in your imagination! Your pulse starts to speed up as your mouth gets drier due to your heightened awareness of what surrounds you! Once experienced, never forgotten.

Led by either the holder of a PhD in Scottish history or a guide with decades of experience providing historic tours in Scotland’s capital, this 90-minute tour is a fascinating journey through Edinburgh’s celebrated Old Town. Revel in the majesty of the famous Royal Mile with its stunning architecture, but also visit the secluded closes and courts lying just off the High Street and discover their dramatic stories. Find out about the world famous poets, novelists, philosophers and inventors who called this neighbourhood home but also the notorious thieves, murderers and bodysnatchers who stalked the streets after dark. The tour includes a trip through Canongate Kirkyard and a visit to our underground vaults below South Bridge, where you will find out how it came to be and who used to live there.   

This is easily our goriest, most graphic and spine-chilling Edinburgh ghost tour, where we take you on a dark and eerie journey through Old Town’s sinister wynds and closes before descending into the haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults. Hear of tales not fit for the glare of daylight — or for those under the age of 18. Descend into the sights, smells and sounds of auld Edinburgh. Perhaps what’s spookiest of all is that these twisted tales of history at its worst are all true stories. Your ghost tour begins above ground at the Mercat Cross, before making your way through the city’s narrow cobblestone streets where murders, misdeeds and mischief took place. Pay attention to the shadows around you. Your master Storyteller will reveal troubled tales as you continue this underground Edinburgh walking tour. Expect true stories of murder and hangings, all in the atmosphere of the 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. 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.

Experience the most haunted section of Edinburgh’s legendary Underground City with this award-winning guided walking tour. Known as 'Damnation Alley' and forgotten for centuries, these tunnels were once 'home' to men, women and children living in utter misery. Experience Edinburgh's dark past as you listen to stories about what really happened beneath the city's streets and what might have stayed behind … • 80 minute walking tour exploring Edinburgh's underground city, led by a local expert guide. • Choice of day or night time tour. PLEASE NOTE During very busy times of the year tours are marked SOLD OUT when places are still available, in order to avoid over-booking. Contact us if the tour you want is marked SOLD OUT in case places are available.

Enjoy 1.5 hours wine tasting experience in an historical cellar in the heart of Montepulciano. Together with an expert sommelier, discover the cellar’s underground of XVI century characterized by vaults and tunnels attributed of Etruscan civilization. Listen the history of this ancient cellar as well as the explanation of the methods and techniques of the wine production. During this journey follows a unique tradition in high quality wine production. Furthermore, discover private collection of old wine bottles tunnel and be amazed by the Etruscan tomb located in the cellar. Then, take part to an exclusive wine tasting experience combined to regional products. A sample of four local wines will be served with bread with a plate of local products. During this experience, you will taste four of the most important wines made in Montepulciano and known all around the world while a professional sommelier will explain you in depth the particularity of those Italian excellencies.

Can't decide whether to do the Underground City of the Dead Tour or the Haunted Graveyard Tour? Then don't. Get the worst of both worlds with our Double Dead Tour. Led by an expert guide, you will venture into two of the most haunted places on the planet – the South Bridge Vaults AND the Covenanter’s Prison in Greyfriars Graveyard. The Covenanter's Prison is home to the Mackenzie Poltergeist, the best documented supernatural case of all time and only City of the Dead Tours has the key! * 1hr 45 minute walking tour exploring Edinburgh's underground vaults and the Covenanter's Prison in Greyfriars Kirkyard, led by a local expert guide. Visit cityofthedeadtours.com for more information. PLEASE NOTE During very busy times of the year tours are marked SOLD OUT when places are still available, in order to avoid over-booking. Contact us on +44 (0)131 225 9044 or info@cityofthedeadtours.com if the tour you want is marked SOLD OUT in case places are available.

Join if you dare! This tour is strictly for over 18's only. Journey into our network of haunted underground vaults below the South Bridge, you shall visit a torture exhibition to see the instruments from the “Burning Times”, used to extract confessions, and punish the unfortunate. Then bravely enter the haunted vaults, named most haunted place in Edinburgh! Visit the recently used Wiccan Temple, the cursed stone circled vault (as featured on Most Haunted Live) and the Legendary Haunted Vault… Who knows what might happen? Will the Poltergeist attack? You have been warned. This tour is for over 18s only.

Join us for a darkly entertaining, but family friendly, afternoon jaunt through the Old Town of Edinburgh and one of its famous underground vaults. Let one of our enthusiastic, knowledgeable guides, dressed in period costume, lead you through this historic neighbourhood while sharing some fascinating tales from the more bloody side of Scotland’s past, involving murder, bodysnatching, witchcraft and even cannibalism. For the second half of the tour descend into our exclusive section of underground and explore its intriguing but sinister haunted chambers. 

Montepulciano is famous for its cellars in the historical center, something that you do not have the chance to visit elsewhere. During your visit at the cellars in the historical center of Montepulciano you will have the chance to learn more about the unique link between the town and its Vino Nobile.