St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
Overview
Contrast elegant architecture with sweeping coastal views. Compare the ruins of a wind-swept castle with the curves of an ancient golf course. And visit Scottish villages and towns that offer far more than their small size should allow.
Itinerary
You leave Edinburgh and travel north to South Queensferry.
You travel over the Queensferry Crossing, and get a great view of one of Scotland's greatest man-made landmarks, the Forth Rail Bridge.
You then enter the Kingdom of Fife and stop in the traditional fishing village of Anstruther (known as 'Ainster' locally), where you can check out the old cobbled streets and take a walk along the seafront to the harbour.
From Anstruther, we continue north to the medieval town of St Andrews. St Andrew is the patron Saint of Scotland, and according to legend his remains were washed up on the Fife coast. St Andrews is also home to the third oldest university in Britain and a beautiful ruined castle perched on a cliff. You have around two and a half hours to explore this fascinating town.
After St Andrews, we take a pleasant drive through the rolling countryside of central Fife to Falkland. Falkland Palace dominates this old village, and was one of the main residences of the old Royal family of Scotland, the Stewarts (Stuarts). Aside from the palace the village is simply one of the most beautiful in Scotland with an array of old cottages and narrow winding streets.
Leaving Falkland we return to Edinburgh, passing Loch Leven, where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned by her Protestant nobility.
And then we once again cross the Firth of Forth and return to the city centre.
Additional Information
Tour Details
- Starts
Check-in closes at 09:30 (tour departs at 09:45) - Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
- Finishes (approx.)
18:00 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, George St / St. Andrews Square area, (Within 5 mins of Edinburgh Bus Station), Edinburgh,
- Luggage
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
- Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)
Important information
Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
Attraction tickets may need to be purchased in advance. More information is provided in your booking confirmation e-mail
- The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.
- Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.
- If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.
Highlights
- Forth Bridges - An incredible engineering feat. A gorgeous setting. And a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Anstruther - Be charmed by the cobbled lanes and quaint buildings of this traditional fishing village.
- St Andrews Cathedral - This ruined cathedral was once one of Scotland’s most magnificent buildings.
- St Andrews Old Town - Immerse yourself in 1,000 years of history as you explore the winding streets and ancient castle.
- The Old Course - Golf was so popular in Scotland, it was banned in the 15th century. And nowhere was it more popular than in St Andrews, ‘the Home of Golf’.
- Historic Village of Falkland - This quaint town in the Kingdom of Fife boasts a beautiful palace and a serene setting.
What's included
- Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Entry fees to visitor attractions
Know before you go
Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes. Attraction tickets may need to be purchased in advance. More information is provided in your booking confirmation e-mail.
Cancellation policy
You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure
