Your tour begins with a short drive into the center of Edinburgh, Scotland's bustling capital city. From your coach, enjoy panoramic views of some of the city's landmarks before making your way to Edinburgh Castle.

The unwritten history of Edinburgh goes back to the ancient British tribes who existed in clusters of wooden huts on the rocky slopes of the castle crag, choosing the windy heights for greater security. Arriving at the Castle, you will enter via the Esplanade, which slopes steeply towards the main gate. There is much to see within the castle, including the 15th century Old Royal Palace in which are housed the Scottish Crown Jewels. The amazing regalia on display in the Crown Room have their origins in medieval times. Also found here is the Apartment in which Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to the future King James VI of Scotland who also became James I of England. This intriguing castle has without doubt, witnessed many tense moments in its thousand year history.

Following your visit, you'll re-join your coach and travel through the Old Town, descending eastwards along the ridge from the castle. This is the historical area known as `Royal Mile` and your route takes you along Castle Hill, Lawnmarket, High Street and Canongate - passing delightful multi-storied houses and quaint side streets. You will also drive past St. Giles Cathedral, considered the finest of the city's churches. This impressive cathedral dates from the 14th and 15th centuries, and is known for its famous crown spire. Continuing, you'll then pass Palace of Holyrood House, Scotland's premier Royal Palace. Dating from the late 15th century, it is the official Scottish residence of the Queen.

Before heading back to Leith, it's a drive along famous Princes Street, with its array of fine stores on one side, and beautifully laid out formal gardens on the other, affording outstanding views across to the ever present castle, standing majestically on its extinct volcanic rock.

Walk Edinburgh’s glorious Royal Mile, the medieval thoroughfare that stretches from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The walk will commence at the castle’s esplanade in the shadow of the imposing fortress, the city’s oldest building. While descending the Royal Mile, you will pass a litany of historical buildings such as Gladstone’s Land, the former townhouse of a wealthy merchant that has been restored to its 17th-century splendor. You will also see Lady Stair’s House, a literary museum dedicated to the works of Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson, both of whom were born in Edinburgh. Upon reaching the end of the street, you will enjoy free time, during which you might explore Holyroodhouse, the British monarch’s official residence in Scotland. In the 18th century, famed novelist Daniel Defoe hailed the Royal Mile as “the largest, longest and finest street in the world.” It remains extraordinary even today.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Stroll the Royal Mile, the thoroughfare that links Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse. • Pass one historical building after another for an idea of city life through the centuries. • Spend free time around Holyroodhouse, where you might tour the royal residence or shop. menos

Golf enthusiasts won't want to miss this tour that visits the famous golf club at St. Andrews.

Between The Firth of Forth and The Firth of Tay the North Sea border county of Fife contains a land of gentle hills, cut by the River Eden flowing eastwards to St. Andrews. Named after Scotland's patron saint, St. Andrews is the home of the world's oldest golf club, the Royal and Ancient, founded in 1754. The Club is the headquarters of world golf and the supreme authority in golfing matters.

Even from a distance, St. Andrews delights the visitor. It is a town for all seasons and all tastes. Set on the east coast, surrounded by countryside, St. Andrews is part of a kingdom in its own right, central to Scottish history in learning and devotion. Scholars walk through the quiet alleys and lanes, where men at arms once raced in the fury of the Reformation. There have been other dramas as well - crowds from all over the world have gathered round the 18th hole of the famous Old Course, knowing just how much depended on a single putt.

Departing by coach from Leith, it's a picturesque 1-hour drive along the main route that runs northwards from the Forth road bridge. You route then branches off onto country roads with fine pastoral views as you head ever closer to St. Andrews.

On arrival into St. Andrews, you'll make a brief photo stop at the atmospheric ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral, which are among the most photographed in Scotland. The great east window and surviving foundations give an impression of the size and splendor of the edifice. The cathedral was founded in 1160 by Arnold, Abbot of Kelso, but the turbulence of medieval Scotland delayed its completion until 1318. It grew to become the longest and greatest church in the land, unequalled anywhere else.

Your tour continues with a panoramic drive through St. Andrews, viewing the bustling market town, and then it's onward to enjoy an overview of the layout of the golf courses. An exterior view of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews is included. This venerable golf club has been of central importance in the evolution of the game, both in St. Andrews and world-wide.

You'll have time for a guided short stroll around areas of the Old Course, or to browse in one of the many small specialist shops selling golfing memorabilia and items of golf clothing, before commencing the return drive to Leith via Cupar and the central areas of Fife.

Scone is a place that breathes history like nowhere else in Scotland. It is at the center of Scotland geographically, and at its center historically. Here, in the heartland of Scotland, also lies the heart of Scotland's history. The storytellers speak of Druids, of Romans, of fantastic glimpses of kings and king-making; of the high kings of the Picts in their `Kingdom of Scone`, and of Scotland's legendary kings like Macbeth and Robert the Bruce.

Traveling across the elegant expanse of the Forth Road Bridge, your coach travels in a northerly direction from Leith, heading out across the scenic rolling landscape. Poised above the River Tay, perhaps the greatest salmon river in the world, the Palace overlooks the routes north to the Highlands and east through Strathmore to the coast. The majestic Grampian mountains form a distant backdrop, and across the river stands the city of Perth.

As you begin your tour of Scone Palace you cannot help but become aware of the intrigues that history has bestowed on Scone. Indeed, Scone is truly the place where you mingle with the many legends of Scotland's past and it is here that Macbeth, King of Scots bled to death on the floor of Scone. Of all the many king-making inaugurations and coronations held in the Palace, King Robert the Bruce's is considered the most dramatic. Having slain his rival, he rode to Scone to be crowned by the Bishop of St. Andrews. In 1651 the last coronation took place at Scone Palace when King Charles II was crowned.

The legendary Stone of Scone, also known as the Stone of Destiny, was used in the coronations of the Kings of Scotland until the end of the 13th century and was kept at Scone for nearly 500 years. The Stone was seized by King Edward I in 1296 and taken to Westminster Abbey. The Stone of Scone was last used at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and today has been returned to the people of Scotland and forms part of the royal regalia at Edinburgh Castle.

Against this rich historical background, your tour of Scone Palace begins in the dining-room. This wonderful south-facing room, with its unique collection of large European ivories, can be quite breath-taking. In the Drawing Room you will find that the walls are clad in early 19th century silk and hung with a large pair of royal portraits of King George III and Queen Charlotte. The spacious library, with views over parkland pastures to the River Tay, now holds a fabulous collection of 18th and 19th century porcelain. The Ambassador's room, named after the 2nd Earl who was British Ambassador to France, has an 18th century splendid and regal royal bed - covered in three vast and magnificently worked coats of arms of King George III. In contrast is the spacious Inner Hall with its two beautiful 17th century carved oak fireplaces. Not to be missed is the Royal Gallery, where you can follow in the footsteps of many kings who have walked its 142 foot length of Scottish oak.

Before re-joining your coach for the return trip, you'll be able to explore part of the Palace grounds and delightful formal gardens where the lawns are home to free-roaming peacocks.

Scotland is a land of castles, mighty fortresses on rocky heights, isolated keeps, elegant homes for great families and grim strongholds set on towering sea cliffs. In the great halls, great men discussed affairs of state against backdrops of regal splendour. Noble men and tyrants, kings and queens, lords and commoners all made their entrances and exits, and now only the stones remain to speak of centuries of drama.

The eight year campaign fought by Robert the Bruce not only to drive the English from Scotland but also to have himself recognized as king inside his own country of Scotland, reached its climax with a battle at Bannockburn in June 1314. For a leader who understood the virtues of guerrilla warfare and recognized the danger of confronting the English in pitched battle, the prospect of fighting the enormous force brought to Scotland by Edward II must have been a dreadful one. The hard fought battle however turned to a rout. Edward II fled, and the spoils of Bannockburn enabled Bruce to ransom members of his family being held hostage in England.

It's an hour's drive through the scenic heart of Scotland, to the Bannockburn Heritage Center, your first stop. Here, you'll enjoy a visit to the exhibition `Kingdom of the Scots`, which depicts Scottish history from Robert the Bruce, to the Union of the Crowns of Scotland and England in 1603. There is an audio-visual presentation of the Battle of Bannockburn, a striking equestrian statue of Bruce, and a display of Scottish life and historical characters. Adding to the colorful atmosphere is a brilliant display of heraldic banners.

From here, your tour continues on to Stirling, situated on one of the many loops of the River Forth. Rising abruptly from the flat plains; this fortress-crowned rock with a grey town clinging to its steep sides, is a vivid, yet blood-stained page from Scotland's history book. Because of its strategic position, guarding the route north, this was a fortress town from the earliest times; bitterly fought over, bravely defended. The castle has appropriately been called the key to Scotland. As a result, its possession has been the focus of contention for many centuries, with battles like Bannockburn being fought in its shadow.

As your coach travels through the old town on your way to the castle, it will seem as if every inch is drenched in history and interest. There are views of hills all around and the promise of Highland scenery beyond. The present castle dates mainly from the 15th and 16th centuries when it was a principal royal residence. James III was born here in 1451, James V spent his childhood here, and the infant Mary Queen of Scots was crowned here on September 9, 1543. Work done on the castle during the 16th century largely shaped the structure as it survives today.

Your self-guided tour will show you the main features of the central turreted gatehouse with its flanking towers and curtain wall, the Great Hall, the Palace, one of the earliest Renaissance buildings in Scotland, and the Chapel Royal. Afterward, enjoy the splendid panoramic views afforded from the battlements before it's time to return to the ship.

This relaxing narrated drive through Edinburgh captures the capital's essence through its signature landmarks, including imposing Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Park and New Town.

Depart from the pier and drive towards the spectacular Gothic cityscape of Edinburgh, somewhat following the southern shore of the Firth of Forth, a gaping inlet from the North Sea. Upon arriving in the proud capital city, you can't help but notice brooding Edinburgh Castle sitting atop an outcrop of sheer granite cliffs. It anchors one end of the famed Royal Mile, an area approximately one mile long that extends down to Holyrood Palace, the official Scottish residence of Queen Elizabeth II.

As you crisscross the streets in this phenomenally scenic Old Town, you will get a sense of what life here was like centuries ago. The streets are busy, narrow and lined with towering buildings Edinburgh-born Robert Louis Stevenson once described as "a dream in masonry." You will also travel along the major thoroughfare of Princes Street in New Town, a stunningly picturesque section of Edinburgh whose construction began in the late 18th century. It's known for neo-classical architecture and large, open green spaces.

As you will discover driving through Holyrood Park, it is truly one of the city's most beautiful green oases with serene ponds favored by waterfowl. You'll stop for photos and to take in the views at the highest point in the park, Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano that overlooks the Edinburgh and far beyond.

Afterwards, you will return to the pier.

This excursion reveals the tumultuous history of Scotland, one of its grandest castles and a wooded wonderland that rivals the Highlands for natural beauty.

Depart from the pier and drive west following the Firth of Forth, as it narrows and becomes the winding River Forth. Just outside the city of Stirling, you will see the National Wallace Monument, a memorial built in 1869 in honor of William Wallace, the Scottish hero known as Braveheart. It sits atop Abbey Craig, a prominent hilltop where in 1297 Wallace led the Scots to victory against the encroaching English army.

Upon reaching Stirling, you will behold grand Stirling Castle, a great symbol of Scottish independence and pride, and where Mary Queen of Scots spent her childhood. Hugely strategic, the fortress was hotly fought over and changed hands frequently. It overlooks the site of Wallace's victory and revered Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce defeated the English in 1314.

Continuing on, Scotland's glorious natural beauty takes center stage as you drive into the Trossachs, a land of wild glens and sparkling lochs often regarded as the "Highlands in miniature." Once home to the folk hero Rob Roy, Scotland's version of Robin Hood, the Trossachs are majestic, especially the views from Dukes Pass, a gap in the dense Achray Forest. Free time in Aberfoyle follows, affording you a taste of village life.

Afterwards, you will return to the pier passing by the Lake of Menteith, considered the only true lake in Scotland, as the others are lochs.

Delve into the history of the royals and aristocracy that have lived in and around Edinburgh, beginning with an exploration of Hopetoun House, a magnificent country estate that is still privately owned. While touring the house and grounds, you will gain insight into the Hope family that has resided there since the late 1600s. The interiors have remained virtually unchanged for centuries and beautifully reflect the elegance of the Georgian era. Free time for lunch follows in Edinburgh’s enlightening Royal Mile, the grand thoroughfare between Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official Scottish residence. Afterwards, while touring Edinburgh castle, you may see the Honours of Scotland – which are the oldest crown jewels in Britain – and the apartment where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to the future King James VI. The Great Hall is another highlight, especially its wood-beam ceiling, which rests on stones carved with symbols such as the thistle, Scotland’s national emblem.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Tour the spectacular private estate that the Hope family has resided in since the late 1600s. • Browse the royal treasures in Edinburgh Castle, a fortress that is the city’s oldest building. • Meander the Royal Mile during free time and dine there on your own. menos