Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour

4 Reviews |

Recommended by 100% of reviewers

| South Queensferry, Scotland

Book online or call us

Chat now

8 hours (approx.)

Hotel pickup offered

Mobile ticket

Instant confirmation

Overview

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.

What's Included

Bottled water
Private transportation
WiFi on board
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Experienced Kilt-wearing guide

Lunch
Entry Fees to Castles

See 3 more See 3 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Pickup details

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.

What To Expect

Linlithgow Palace

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.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

The Kelpies & The Helix (Pass 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 (Pass 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

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.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Falkland (Pass 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

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.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Loch Leven Heritage Trail (Pass 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.

Show 5 more stops

Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST). Read more Apr 2025