Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.