Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour

5.0 (5 reviews) 8 hours Free cancellation Private tour

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5.0

Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

For history enthusiasts and admirers of Mary Queen of Scots, this tour will take you through her remarkable, yet tragic life. Follow her footsteps, as you explore her favourite palaces, homes, and scenic views.

From Linlithgow Palace to Stirling Castle and Falkland Palace, you’ll get to experience not only the history of this iconic monarch, but also the beauty of Scotland as you travel from place to place.

Let us take the stress out of travel as you escape fixed itineraries and crowded buses. Sit back, relax and enjoy a private tour designed exclusively for you and your group, featuring:

A Private Day Tour tailored to your preferences.
An Expert Local Guide with decades of experience.
A Convenient Door-to-Door Service from your hotel or accommodation.
Travel in Style and Comfort aboard a luxurious Mercedes-Benz V-Class Minivan.

Day Trips Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours Ports of Call Tours Luxury Car Tours

At a glance

Duration: 8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–7
Guide: English
Operated by: Hopscotch Travel

Ages: Adults (2–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: On-board WiFi: WiFi on board
Included: Bottled water
Included: All Fees and Taxes
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: Experienced Kilt-wearing guide

Not included

Not included: Lunch
Not included: Entry Fees to Castles

Itinerary

Linlithgow Palace

one hour Admission not included

The most fitting place to start your tour is where it all began: Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots in 1542.

From the moment she was born, her life has been one of intrigue and

tragedy, chequered with romances and family betrayals. Through the

telling of her story in Hollywood movies, television series and books, the fascination with Mary Queen of Scots continues to grow every day.
The Kelpies & The Helix

Passing by

On the way to your first destination, you’ll not be short of sights to see. Dramatic against the skyline, you can marvel at one (or two) of Scotland’s most famous and celebrated art pieces: the Kelpies. Silhouetted against the sky, these impressive sculptures are a true tribute to Scotland’s myths and legends.
National Wallace Monument

Passing by

After visiting Linlithgow Palace, the tour will venture further north to the City of Stirling. Before arriving, you will pass by a dedication to another famous Scot, William Wallace.

Standing proud against the backdrop of Stirling’s countryside, the Wallace Monument is a symbol of strength and passion for Scotland. 300 years later, his story has been immortalised by the Hollywood film, Braveheart, and continues to capture the hearts of people all over the world.
Stirling Castle

2 hours Admission not included

From the Wallace Monument, you will also catch a glimpse of Stirling Castle sitting high on the Castle Hill.

Upon entering the castle gates, you’ll be met with costumed characters who will transport you back to 16th-century life, showing you Mary’s childhood home and how the castle would have looked at that time.

Stirling Castle is arguably one of the most significant places in Mary

Stewart’s history. Aged just nine months, Mary was crowned Queen of Scots. The ceremony was conducted in September 1543 in the Chapel Royal of Stirling Castle, and was the first time the Honours of Scotland were used.
Falkland

Passing by

On the way to Falkland Palace, you’ll pass through Falkland itself, a beautiful and historic village which was also used as a filming location for the much-loved ‘Outlander’ series. You might recognise it as “Inverness” in the opening scenes where Claire and Frank arrive for their second honeymoon.

As you travel through the village, you’ll catch sight of our next destination: Falkland Palace.
Falkland Palace & Garden

1 h 30 min Admission not included

Falkland Palace was used as a Royal Hunting Lodge by Mary Queen of Scots. She was enchanted by the palace and its extensive formal gardens, where she would often pursue her hobbies in falconry, hunting, archery and tennis.

Falkland Palace is actually home to the world’s oldest surviving royal tennis court, so you will be able to see where Mary Stewart played throughout her life.
Loch Leven Heritage Trail

Passing by

As you travel back to Edinburgh, you will get to witness the wild and natural beauty of the Scottish countryside once more.

Driving through rolling hills and towering mountains, you will pass by the still and beautiful waters of Loch Leven. A fantastic picture opportunity and a breathtaking end to your tour.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Westfield
Dalkeith Aparthotel
The White House
The Hoxton, Edinburgh
Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
No. 16 Learmonth Terrace
Turnhouse Airport
Old Waverly
Grove House Hotel
Premier Inn Waverley
Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh West

and 222 more pickup points

We offer convenient pickup from any Edinburgh hotel or port. One of our friendly team members at Hopscotch Travel will contact you at least 24 hours before your scheduled tour to reconfirm all the details. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to us anytime if you have any questions.