£570
Tour Details
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Not included
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Mary, Queen of Scots is the most famous and interesting Scottish monarch. Born in 1542, the daughter of King James V of Scotland and Mary of Guise, she became queen of Scotland at only a week old and was betrothed to the Dauphin of France and educated at the French Court. Her reign was marred by troubled marriages, betrayal, rebellion and murder.
Probably Scotland’s most famous Monarch, Mary was a devout Catholic and claimed the English Crown was rightfully hers. She was perceived as dangerous to the English Queen Elizabeth who, after a turbulent 19 year journey beheaded Mary for treason at Fotheringhay Castle near Peterborough.
After a short period at Peterborough Cathedral, in 1612 her son James exhumed her body and brought her to Westminster Cathedral. Learn about Mary’s troubled history and visit some of the most famous sites from her return from France and her life in Scotland. This tour takes you to our selection of the most famous locations associated with her life in Scotland.
Each one of our private tours is conducted in our premium Mercedes minivans, ensuring your comfort as we venture along the small cobbled streets around Edinburgh and narrow back roads of the highlands.
Your knowledgable kilt-wearing private tour guide will tell you the stories and show you the sights on this tour. We offer flexibility and your time inside and outside the vehicle is up to you.
RECOMMENDED SIGHTS ON THIS TOUR …
Craigmillar Castle
A stones throw from Edinburgh, Craigmillar Castle< is often referred to as Edinburgh’s ‘other castle’. Mary spent two periods of her life here, once whilst quite unwell after the birth of her son and once before the murder of her Husband in the ‘Craigmillar plot’. Come to Craigmillar Castle and learn about the time in Mary’s life just her flight to England.
Linlithgow Palace
The birthplace of Mary, Linlithgow Palace was a ‘half way house’ along the Royal Route between Edinburgh and Stirling and was often used as a recreation and entertainment venue for the Scottish Royal Family. The Palace was destroyed after Bonnie Prince Charlie (the Jacobite young pretender) left in 1745 and much of its history now lies in Ruin.
Stirling Castle tour
Mary spent a considerable amount of time at Stirling Castle throughout her life. She was crowned in the chapel at Stirling Castle when just 9 months old and returned to the crown palace many times in her adult life. The Castle has been widely restored to how it would have looked in the 16th century and is a must-see attraction in Mary and Scotland’s history.
Falkland Palace
Arguably one of the most impressive preserved 16th century buildings in the world, Falkland Palace was the Stuart Royal family retreat. Mary spent summertime pursuing country activities such as falconry and also Royal tennis (Real Tennis) at the world’s oldest tennis court. The Palace has extensive grounds and an orchard that Mary spent much time in, thinking about her ascension to the throne of England.
Leith Docks
Our last point of call on the tour is in Leith, now a suburb of Edinburgh but still technically a separate town. After the death King Francis II of France in December 1560 Mary returned to Scotland grief stricken. She landed in the Port of Leith and sought refuge at Lambs House where her perilous journey through Scotland began as an adult. Her claim to the Scottish throne and strong catholic beliefs were not well received.
Edinburgh Castle
Whilst we typically don’t include Edinburgh Castle in a day tour because of logistics and time required to tour the castle, it is a must-see attraction whilst you’re in Edinburgh. The castle at Edinburgh has been rebuilt many times and was both a military garrison and royal seat. Mary gave birth to James VI at Edinburgh Castle in June 1566. Centuries later a small coffin was discovered behind wood panelling in the room. Was this the body of the heir to the Scottish throne?
- Distance Instructions
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Places this tour visits
No two private tours are the same, but these are popular places to see on this In the footsteps of Mary, Queen of Scots Private tour from Edinburgh
Recent Customer Testimonials
Alice L
I thoroughly enjoyed The Ancient Orkney tour with Laura MacKenzie as our guide. My stepdaughter and I made it to many of the neolithic sites that I hoped to see as well as other important sites that reflect the culture and history of Orkney. On the first day when our [...]
Luz M
This experience was so amazing! Our driver Laura did an incredible job, she made this a very memorable trip for us and I’m very thankful for her. She took us to see castle and tell us more about the history. She really was so wonderful and we are truly blessed [...]
Jeff K
Amazing private tour. Our tour guide Debbie, was so nice, and knowledgeable about the sites. She really took a great tour to another level with her personality and professionalism! The minivan was clean and comfortable and a great alternative to bus/mini bus crowds. Would highly recommend.
Everett J
Our guide was Rob who was absolutely phenomenal. We were traveling with a newborn baby and a 3 year old toddler who was proving difficult straight from the go when Rob arrived to pick us up. He was very patient and accommodating while we got settled into the van. As [...]
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