Edinburgh Guided Tour

The Queen and Captive tour is a one day driving tour which concentrates on the history and sites associated with Mary Queen of Scots in Scotland.

You will first be taken in our Mercedes for a visit inside Linlithgow Palace, then inside Blackness Castle, then inside Falkland Palace and then a boat trip across Loch Leven to Loch Leven Castle.

Your guide will be Dr. Alison Duncan, a professional historian, and Scotland expert, below are some of Alison's thoughts on your Queen and the Captive Tour.

She was born to be Queen of Scotland, raised to be Queen of France, and believed she was Queen of England by right. Her first husband’s death left her a widow at 18. Her second husband was blown up, and her third died a madman in a Danish dungeon. Her half-brother rebelled against her, and her cousin signed her death warrant. Her rule was over by the age of 24, and she spent nearly half her life in captivity. But there was more to Mary Stuart’s life than melodrama. The Scottish Queen was educated at one of the great Renaissance courts of Europe, and she brought back to Scotland traditions of fine living which found their way into the language and lore of her native country. She loved music, hunting and hawking, and tennis. She was both a scholar and a poet.

Follow in Mary’s footsteps with us, from her birthplace to the island castle where she was imprisoned in 1567. Our tour begins in the evocative setting of Linlithgow Palace, a favourite residence of the Scottish monarchs. From there we visit Blackness Castle, a dramatic fortress on the Firth of Forth which was a set for the recent film of her life. At Falkland Palace, see the royal tennis court where she’s said to have played in men’s clothes—built in 1539, it’s still used today. Then prepare to make an imaginative journey with the Queen, as we take a boat for Loch Leven Castle. Mary spent a year imprisoned on the island before making a desperate and daring escape back across the loch.

The tour will focus on the historical, cultural and architectural heritage of Edinburgh. Many of the major historical sites of interest will be covered including the world-famous Royal Mile. You will also visit inside the beautiful St Giles Cathedral. The tour will end at the world-famous National Galleries of Scotland.

There will be an absolute maximum of 10 walkers in your Group.

Our Lothians and Highland Tour will whisk one to eight guests around the Lothians; Linlithgow Palace, Rosslyn Chapel, Culross village then stay overnight at the Killin Hotel (or similar hotel). On day two, experience Fort William, the Ben Nevis mountain range gondola, Glencoe folk museum, Stirling castle before arriving back at Edinburgh. Your driver and guide will be professional historian, Dr Alison Duncan.

The Queen and Captive tour is a one day driving tour which concentrates on the history and sites associated with Mary Queen of Scots in Scotland.

You will first be taken in our Mercedes for a visit inside Linlithgow Palace, then inside Blackness Castle, then inside Falkland Palace and then a boat trip across Loch Leven to Loch Leven Castle.

Your guide will be Dr. Alison Duncan, a professional historian, and Scotland expert, below are some of Alison's thoughts on your Freedom tour:

King Robert Bruce and Sir William Wallace, Guardian of Scotland, inspired a nation to freedom. Four centuries later their fight for Scotland’s identity inspired the famous poet Robert Burns to write his rousing poem Scots, Wha’ Hae. Join me to discover the shaping of a nation!

Our day begins at Stirling Castle, the strategic heart of the Wars of Independence. Looking out from the ramparts of this royal fortress, you’ll see why it was said, he who controls Stirling controls Scotland. The castle changed hands often as Scots and English armies battled for supremacy below its walls. Today you can experience what it was like to live there in the time of Robert Bruce’s royal descendants. There’s plenty to explore, from the vast kitchens, the great hall and the chapel, to the gloriously restored royal apartments, and even the castle beehives.

From the castle rock, we descend to Old Stirling Bridge, close to where Scots troops commanded by Wallace won a resounding victory in 1297 over the army of Edward I of England, the ‘Hammer of the Scots’. Our next stop is Abbey Craig, from where the Scots are said to have watched the gathering English army. Today it’s the site of the Wallace Monument and home to the historic Wallace Sword. The monument was built by public subscription in 1869, testament to Wallace’s enduring reputation as a patriot.

Our day ends at Dunfermline Abbey and Palace, one of the great royal sites of medieval Scotland. Here in 1329 King Robert Bruce was buried in state. When the poet Burns visited in 1787 the king’s tomb had vanished, but his remains were later rediscovered, and new monuments were raised in honour of the monarch who won independence for his country, and a crown for his descendants, the Royal House of Stuart.

Get picked up from your accommodation by your knowledgeable local guide and then enjoy being driven to the Trossachs National Park to take in some of the most breathtaking views in Scotland. See the famous Loch Venachar backed by low, rugged mountains and plenty of sheep. Stop in at the picturesque village of Callander and indulge your fantasies of Scottish countryside life.

Drive on to Blackness Castle, recently featured in the Mary Queen of Scots movie, or Linlithgow Palace, Queen Mary’s actual birthplace. Check out Doune Castle (featured in Game of Thrones, Outlander, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail) or visit Stirling Castle, the historic site of the Battle of Banockburn where Robert the Bruce defeated King Edward’s army.

From there, it’s a quick journey to the impressive monument built in memory of Sir William Wallace, a 13th-century Scottish hero. Last but not least, a stop at Deanston Distillery to sample the world-famous 18-year-old single malt is not to be missed. Let your guide know what interests you most and be sure to get the most out of your time in Scotland.

Tour Includes:

A private guided driving tour through the Scottish countryside that takes you to some of the country’s most famous castles, lochs, and a world-famous whisky distillery. Customize the itinerary according to your preferences and see the best of the Scottish lowlands.

The tour will focus on the historical, cultural and architectural heritage of Edinburgh. We can even customise the tour to suit your tastes. As your tour is private, you and your guests will have our experienced and educated tour guide all to yourselves. You will see even more landmarks and sights around Edinburgh. The tour will be at your pace, including when to stop for refreshments. We can also arrange for our guide to pick you up from any Edinburgh city centre Hotel.