3 Day Private Tour: Edinburgh, Stirling and St Andrews
This three-day private tour provides a detailed introduction to some of Scotland’s most significant historic, cultural and scenic locations. Travelling with a dedicated chauffeur, you will explore Edinburgh, Stirlingshire, Fife and St Andrews at a comfortable pace, with time allocated for each site and collection arranged from your accommodation each morning.
Day 1: Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is a cultural and historical centre built across a series of hills. The city is home to the modern Scottish Parliament, a medieval Old Town and the elegant Georgian New Town. This part of the tour offers an introduction to the landmarks that define the city’s character and heritage.
Edinburgh Castle
Your day begins with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic historic fortresses. Positioned on the summit of an extinct volcano, it offers panoramic views of the city. Inside, you may see the oldest Crown Jewels in Britain, historic Royal apartments, an impressive medieval cannon and the castle’s preserved military prison vaults.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The next stop is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Highlights include the State Apartments, the remains of Holyrood Abbey and the royal gardens. The palace also includes the sixteenth-century historic apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, which provide insight into an important period in Scottish history.
Royal Yacht Britannia
Your tour continues with a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former floating residence of Queen Elizabeth II. The vessel served for more than forty years, travelling over one million nautical miles and hosting numerous international state visits. Now berthed in Edinburgh, it allows visitors to tour the State Apartments, crew quarters and working areas.
The Royal Mile and Old Town
The final location of the day is the Royal Mile, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic street is lined with traditional buildings, cobbled lanes and narrow closes. You can explore selected shops, cafés and heritage sites before your chauffeur returns you to your accommodation for the evening.
Day 2: Stirlingshire and Falkirk
Your second day begins with a journey north towards the historic heart of Stirlingshire. This region includes some of the most important locations in Scotland’s story, as well as modern engineering landmarks.
The Kelpies
Your first stop is the Helix Park, home to the Kelpies. These thirty-metre-high steel sculptures are inspired by the working draught horses that were once essential to Scotland’s industry. The scale and detail of the sculptures make them one of the country’s most distinctive modern landmarks.
Falkirk Wheel
Nearby is the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift. This engineering achievement links the Forth & Clyde Canal with the Union Canal, replacing a former flight of eleven locks. Today, visitors can watch the wheel in operation and learn about the project’s design and purpose.
Stirling Castle
Your tour continues with a visit to Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most significant strongholds. Situated on a volcanic outcrop, it offers far-reaching views across the Forth Valley and the Trossachs. Historically, the castle served as a principal royal residence of the Stewart Kings and Queens, and several major battles for Scottish independence took place nearby.
National Wallace Monument
The final site of the day is the National Wallace Monument. Built in 1896, it commemorates the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge, where William Wallace led his forces to victory. Exhibits inside the monument explore his life, legacy and the wider history of medieval Scotland.
At the end of the day, you will be returned to your accommodation in Edinburgh.
Day 3: Fife and St Andrews
Your final day takes you across the Firth of Forth into the historic county of Fife, home to coastal villages, scenic harbours and the medieval town of St Andrews.
Queensferry Crossing
As you leave Edinburgh, you will cross the Queensferry Crossing, a modern engineering landmark situated alongside two earlier bridges. The oldest of these, the Forth Bridge built in 1890, is recognised internationally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pittenweem
Your first stop in Fife is the fishing village of Pittenweem. The harbour remains active each morning as boats land their catch for the daily market. The village includes well-preserved historic houses, the remains of a twelfth-century Augustinian priory and a cave dedicated to St Fillan.
Anstruther
The neighbouring village of Anstruther offers coastal views, a busy harbour and a renowned fish and chip shop. Wildlife sightings such as puffins, seals and seabirds are common along this part of the coastline.
St Andrews
The final major destination of the tour is St Andrews, known worldwide as the Home of Golf and for its historic university, founded in 1413. The town features medieval streets, the remains of St Andrews Cathedral, a castle, traditional shops and a long sandy beach. The blend of academic heritage, religious history and coastal scenery makes St Andrews a distinctive Scottish destination.
At the end of your visit to Fife, your chauffeur will return you to Edinburgh, concluding your three-day private tour.
For enquiries about this tour or to request a tailored itinerary, please visit our contact page.
