HALF DAY TOURS FROM EDINBURGH
Edinburgh City Tour (3.5-4 hours)
From the comfort of your touring coach discover the history and beauty of Edinburgh. We start the tour by visiting the Georgian New Town, with it's sweeping crescents and terraces, then we tour the historic Royal Mile, with it's enchanting wynds and closes. The highlight is a visit to Edinburgh Castle where we can see the Scottish Crown Jewels as well as enjoying the panoramic views of the city skyline from the battlements.
St Andrews - Home of Golf (4 hours)
Discover the home of golf and much more besides. From Edinburgh we cross the River Forth and tour through the Kingdom of Fife to the scenic fishing village of Anstruther. On our arrival in St Andrews there will be an orientation tour including the famous Old Course and a visit to St Andrews Cathedral and Castle. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore on your own.
Stirling Castle (4 hours)
From Edinburgh we pass historic Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots as we make our way to the historic town of Stirling. On our arrival we will visit magnificent Stirling Castle which sits atop a volcanic plug. Stirling was once home to the Scottish Court and during our tour we will visit the Royal Apartments as well as the Chapel Royal, where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned. There will be free time in the town of Stirling before we return to Edinburgh.
Hopetoun House (3.5-4 hours)
Our first stop will be South Queensferry, where we will enjoy the view of the Forth Bridges. Next we drive along the river banks to Hopetoun House, the home of the Marquis of Linlithgow. Hopetoun dates from 1699 and was built to a design by Sir William Bruce. The house contains a number of notable paintings by Gainsborough and Raeburn. Within the substantial grounds of the house are a wildlife centre and various nature trails to enjoy.
Whisky & Rossyln Chapel (4 hours)
From Edinburgh we make the short drive to the pretty village of Pencaitland, where we visit Glenkinchie malt whisky distillery. After our tour of the distillery there is a "wee dram" so that we can taste the end product! Next we travel to Rossyln Chapel , a fascinating building whose aura of mystery and magic is known World-Wide, thanks to the popular book and movie 'The Da Vinci Code'. You can discover more about the history of this place and marvel at the intricate carvings during our visit.
FULL DAY TOURS FROM EDINBURGH
Blair Castle & Pitlochry (7 hours)
Travelling from Edinburgh we cross the Forth Road Bridge and drive through the Kingdom of Fife to Perth. We will visit the Caithness Glass Works, to see how intricate paperweights are hand-made. Then it's into the Highlands as we make our way to Blair Castle. Blair Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Atholl, the only man in Britain allowed his own standing army - the Atholl Highlanders. After time to visit the castle we make the short drive to Pitlochry, a pretty little town on the River Tummel, where we will visit Edradour malt whisky distillery, the smallest in Scotland. There is free time in Pitlochry before we start our return journey to Edinburgh.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs (8.5 hours)
The ancient town of Stirling is our first stop where we will visit magnificent Stirling Castle. We then travel to Callander, a popular holiday town that dates from Victorian times. Next we enter the Loch Lomond National Park and tour through the Trossachs, a scenic area of lochs and mountains before arriving in the pretty town of Aberfoyle. At Loch Lomond we will join a cruiser to see the "bonnie, bonnie banks" from the best vantage point, the loch itself. We'll return to Edinburgh by way of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city.
St Andrews - Home of Golf (7.5-8 hours)
On this tour you can discover the home of golf and much more besides. After leaving Edinburgh we cross the River Forth and enter the Kingdom of Fife. Our journey will take us to the East Neuk of Fife where we will visit the scenic fishing village of Anstruther. On arrival in St Andrews there will be an orientation tour of the town before enjoying free time to explore the grounds of the ancient university, the castle or Cathedral, visit the famed Old Course and British Golf Museum, or simply shop!
Traquair House & The Borders (7.5-8 hours)
From Edinburgh we travel through the rolling Border countryside to visit the popular market town of Peebles, which sits astride the River Tweed. We follow the banks of the river as we make our way to Traquair House, one of Scotland's most important historic buildings. The house has a strong connection with the Stuart dynasty, indeed Bonnie Prince Charlie visited the house in 1745 on his ill-fated march south to capture the Crown. Our return to Edinburgh will takes us to Galashiels, with it's weaving traditions and picturesque Dryburgh Abbey, which dates back to the 12th century.
Scone Palace & The Fair City of Perth (7.5-8 hours)
Our journey takes us across the Forth Road Bridge, with it's magnificent views, and on through the Kingdom of Fife. On the outskirts of Perth we stop to visit Scone Palace, home to the Earls of Mansfield and the ancient coronation site of the Scottish kings. After a tour of the Palace and it's extensive grounds we will continue into the heart of Perth for free time for shopping and/or independent sightseeing. We return to Edinburgh through the pleasant market town of Crieff, Gleneagles and Glen Devon.
