Our first stop brings us to Loch Leven, a calm freshwater loch surrounded by gentle hills and steeped in Scottish history. We’ll pause here to admire the beauty of the loch and the atmospheric ruins of Lochleven Castle, located on a small island. It was here that Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned in 1567, during one of the most turbulent periods in Scottish royal history. Take in the views and imagine the drama that once unfolded within the castle walls.
Next, we continue our journey to Falkland, a beautifully preserved village that holds the distinction of being Scotland’s first designated conservation area. The town is renowned for Falkland Palace, originally built in the early 16th century as a royal hunting lodge for the Stuart kings and queens. Here, we’ll have time to explore the charming cobbled streets, admire the traditional architecture, and perhaps spot familiar scenes from the hit series Outlander, which filmed several episodes in this location.
Then we’ll make our way to the coastal town of St Andrews, a place that blends history, academia, and sport. Named after Scotland’s patron saint, St Andrews has a fascinating heritage. Legend tells that relics of Saint Andrew were brought to the area by a Greek monk, leading to the foundation of the now-ruined St Andrews Cathedral in the 12th century. The town is also internationally known as the ‘Home of Golf’. Golf has been played on the sandy links here for over six centuries, evolving into the modern game we know today. The Old Course at St Andrews is the oldest and most iconic public golf course in the world, hosting The Open Championship numerous times.
Whilst in St Andrews, we’ll have ample free time to explore: stroll through the historic university campus (founded circa 1410), where Prince William and Kate Middleton first met, wander the quaint streets lined with shops and cafés, visit the cathedral and castle ruins, or enjoy a relaxing lunch overlooking the greens.
St Andrews Map >
This afternoon, we head to Lindores Abbey Distillery, a unique destination blending ancient history and modern whisky craftsmanship. Founded in 1191, Lindores Abbey was visited by many Scottish monarchs and is famously mentioned in a 1494 tax record as the site of Scotland’s first known whisky production—making it arguably the birthplace of Scotch whisky. After arriving, we’ll set off on a guided tour of the distillery, learning about traditional and contemporary whisky-making methods, followed by a tasting session of their expertly crafted drams. Non-alcoholic alternatives are available for those who prefer them.
After enjoying the flavours of Lindores, we make our way back to Edinburgh. Our journey concludes at the Cairngorms Coffee Shop by approximately 5:30pm.
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