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Free tour

Bonfires of Modernity: Edinburgh Demonologists, Witches and Wizards ⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆

Duration: 2h and 30min
Languages: English, Spanish
Quality Verified Registered on February 03, 2023

We are an Akelarre ("a coven") of independent historians who love traveling the world, sharing stories about witches, magic, secret societies, mythology, and other alternative topics. We offer enriching experiences for curious travelers who seek to make friends, share knowledge, and discover hidden aspects of the history and culture of each place. We invite you to explore our itineraries and participate in activities full of fun and learning. 🌒🏰🔮🧝🏻‍♀️🧙🏼‍♂️✨⚔️🐉🍄🌒🏰🔮🧝🏻‍♀️🧙🏼‍♂️✨⚔️🐉🍄🌒🏰🔮🧝🏻‍♀️🧙🏼‍♂️✨⚔️🐉🍄🌒🏰🔮🧝🏻‍♀️

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  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
  • Accepts electronic payment
    This tour allows payment by electronic means or credit card

Tour description

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Europe was engulfed in a wave of persecutions, hysteria and superstition. Thousands of women were designated as witches for transgressing the system they inhabited and executed on the charge of witchcraft . Many had knowledge of medicine, were skilled politicians or knew how to manage their finances . Scotland was no exception and on this tour we will tell you how the process impacted Edinburgh, learning about the origins of the Witch Hunt ; the North Berwick trials that inspired Shakespeare to write Macbeth ; King James and his studies in demonology ; about some witches who gave life to characters from the Outlander series and much more.

We will walk through the alleys of the Royal Mile , as well as Calton Hill to learn about the symbology of bonfires and the role of the Presbyterian John Knox . At the same time, we will learn about some occultists and we will end in the vicinity of the castle to learn about the end of a historical process that claimed thousands of innocent lives.


What are we going to visit?

  • Royal Mile
  • Bakehouse Close Passage
  • Calton Hill
  • Edinburgh Castle (exteriors)
  • St. Giles Cathedral (exteriors)
  • Tolbooth Tavern

And much more!

Join our akelarre!

#witches #magicians #edinburgh #legends #mysteries

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Highlights

What will we visit on this tour?

  • Meeting point:
    Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, UK
    Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, UK
    View on map

    I will be at the entrance to Holyrood Palace (over Abbey Strand) with a black umbrella from Akelarre Tours.

  • 1
    Outside visit
    Holyrood Palace

    Discover the mysteries and legends surrounding the Palace of Holyrood and its connection to witchcraft. This majestic place has been the setting for intriguing stories throughout the centuries. It is said that within its ancient walls, the whispers of witches and sorcerers echoed. And that’s where we’ll be with our Akelarre (Coven)!

  • 2
    Outside visit
    Old Town

    We will immerse ourselves in the mystical, history-rich atmosphere of the Old Town as we walk through its corners, which have been the setting for supernatural events. We will admire the medieval architecture and the beauty of its streets while discussing the witches of Edinburgh.

  • 3
    Outside visit
    Royal Mile

    For centuries, the Royal Mile was the scene of trials and persecutions of supposed witches, where cruel sentences and punishments were carried out. In this Akelarre, we will reflect on these events.

  • 4
    Outside visit
    Castle Street

    Castle Street is a journey through time filled with legends of witches and wizards.

  • 5
    Outside visit
    Calton Hill

    The 17th-century stories surrounding Calton Hill tell that it was the site of modernity's bonfires, where witches burned after grueling trials. We will visit the area to learn more about them.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

4.68
Acceptable
(34 ratings)
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27
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Professionalism
4.72
Entertainment
4.67
Expression
4.72
Information
4.63
Route
4.77
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Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Non suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Accepts reservations up to 11 people.
Pets
Not suitable for pets.

What should you know?

Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Electronic or credit card payment is accepted.
When do you want to go?
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  • Cancellation risk
    This guru has cancelled 14 of the last 100 bookings for this tour.
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  • Cancellation risk
    This guru has cancelled 14 of the last 100 bookings for this tour.
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