Tour Information
Short Description
- Departure: Hotel Pick-Up (Edinburgh)
- Duration: Full Day (09:00 – 18:00)
- Availability: Year-round
- Price: £795 (Max 7 Guests)
Discover Scotland’s Capital & Historic Heartlands
From the shadowed closes of Edinburgh’s Old Town to the grand palaces and castles that shaped the nation, this full-day tour blends the rich history of the capital with the breathtaking landscapes beyond. Walk the Royal Mile, stand where monarchs were crowned, and explore the engineering marvels that bridge Scotland’s past and present.
Tour Highlights
- Cowgate – The Underbelly of Edinburgh – Where the city’s secrets lurk in shadowed wynds
- Edinburgh Castle (Exterior) – A fortress of kings, perched high upon Castle Rock
- The Royal Mile – A walk through time along Edinburgh’s historic spine
- St Giles’ Cathedral & the Heart of Midlothian – A place of devotion, rebellion, and legend
- Scott Monument & Princes Street Gardens – A tribute to Scotland’s literary giant, framed by stunning gardens
- Scottish Parliament – A modern masterpiece of politics and architecture
- Arthur’s Seat – The city’s ancient volcano, offering panoramic views of the capital
- Holyrood Palace – Visit the royal residence steeped in Stuart intrigue
- Rosslyn Chapel – A masterpiece of mystery and legend
- Dean Village – A riverside escape, untouched by time
- South Queensferry & The Forth Rail Bridge – A UNESCO-listed engineering wonder
- Blackness Castle – A mighty fortress on the Firth of Forth
- Linlithgow Palace – The birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots
- The Kelpies - The largest equine sculptures in the world, these towering steel giants pay tribute to Scotland’s mythical water spirits and working horses.
- Stirling Castle – A grand stronghold of kings and heroes
A Thoughtfully Curated Experience
- Private tour with an expert guide
- Luxury transport for comfort and convenience
- Onboard cooler stocked with chilled water, soft drinks, and Scottish snacks
- Custom itinerary with optional entry to selected locations
Full Description
Morning – The Story of Edinburgh Unfolds
The day begins in the depths of Cowgate, the underbelly of Edinburgh’s Old Town, where history lingers in every narrow wynd. Rising to daylight, we step onto the Royal Mile, tracing centuries of triumph and treachery as we pass St Giles’ Cathedral and the legendary Heart of Midlothian.
At the city’s highest point, Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline, its walls standing as silent sentinels to Scotland’s royal past. Descending into the New Town, we pause at the Scott Monument, its gothic spire reaching towards the heavens, before wandering through the lush tranquility of Princes Street Gardens.
Beyond the grand dome of Scottish Parliament, we glimpse the raw beauty of Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh’s ancient volcano, before arriving at Holyrood Palace. Home to kings and queens, this regal residence holds the echoes of Mary, Queen of Scots and the scandals of her ill-fated reign.
Then, leaving the city behind, our journey leads to the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel, where intricate carvings tell stories of faith, freemasonry, and whispered Templar secrets.
Afternoon – The Kingdom of Fife & Scotland’s Royal Heartlands
Crossing the Water of Leith, we wander through the picture-perfect streets of Dean Village, where time seems to have stood still. From here, we make our way to South Queensferry, where the majestic Forth Rail Bridge stretches across the firth, standing as a breathtaking UNESCO-listed feat of Victorian engineering.
From here, we delve into Scotland’s past, exploring the mighty Blackness Castle, a fortress that has withstood sieges, storms, and centuries of history. Our journey then brings us to Linlithgow Palace, a place of grandeur and ghosts, where the cries of Mary, Queen of Scots first filled the air.
Finally, we arrive at Stirling Castle, perched high upon its crag, where legends of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce still echo through the halls. This was the seat of Scottish power, the stage of coronations and battles—a fitting end to our exploration of Scotland’s royal heartlands.