Scottish Adventure - Southern Highlights

Arrival in Scotland. Collect your rental car and head north crossing the Forth Road Bridge with its dramatic views of the Victorian feet of engineering the Forth Railway Bridge. You will visit the remains Dunfermline Abbey and Palace, once a great Benedictine abbey founded in the 11th century and the final resting place of Robert the Bruce. Dunfermline Palace, where Charles 1 was born, was constructed out of the remains of the monastic guesthouse.  

Overnight - Fife B&B

After breakfast, travel through the quaint fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife and you travel back through time. The traditional cottages with red pantile roofs and crow-stepped gable ends appear unchanged from earlier times. Fishing boats lie at rest in the harbour following the bustle of unloading their catch as they have done for centuries. Crail, Anstruther, Pittenweem, St Monans, Largo, and Elie... place names as picturesque as the villages themselves. Visit Kellie Castle, completed around 1606 and once home to the Earls of Kellie, was restored by the Lorimer family in 1878. The oldest tower, dating back to 1360, is said to be haunted, but today the castle is a tranquil spot. Admire the magnificent plaster ceilings and panelling, and furniture designed by Sir Robert Lorimer. Visit the old stables, now housing an exhibition on Hew Lorimer’s life, and see his sculpture studio. Take a stroll in the magical Arts & Crafts garden and enjoy the scent of old roses and the beautiful herbaceous borders. But spare a thought for the 5th Earl of Kellie, who hid in the garden for an entire summer in a burnt-out tree stump after the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

Overnight - St. Andrews area B&B

Enjoy a full day in St Andrews, home of the oldest university in Scotland, where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, more commonly known as ‘Kate and Wills’ first met. This town is capital of golf with its famous and prestigious Old Course. The remains of the 12th century St Andrews Cathedral, the largest in Scotland and the medieval layout of the town are still visible. You will also visit the 13th century St Andrews Castle overlooking the North Sea, where, during the Reformation, many evil deeds took place in the “Bottle Dungeon”. You will enjoy the traditional small shops and the beautiful sea views.  

Overnight - St. Andrews area B&B

After breakfast, travel through the Kingdom of Fife stopping in Cupar at Hill of Tarvit Mansionhouse, this fine house was rebuilt in 1906 by Sir Robert Lorimer, the renowned Scottish architect, for a Dundee industrialist, Mr FB Sharp. The house still presents a perfect setting for Mr Sharp’s notable collection of superb French, Chippendale and vernacular furniture. The collection also includes fine paintings by Raeburn and Ramsay, on view together with Chinese porcelain and bronzes. Take time to enjoy the delightful gardens before continuing south to Stirling.

Overnight - Stirling area B&B

Enjoy a full day exploring Stirling, the largest city in central Scotland. You will visit Stirling Castle, magnificent both in its situation on a commanding rocky outcrop and in its architecture. Of outstanding interest are the Great Hall and the Gatehouse of James IV, the marvellous palace of James V, the Chapel Royal remodelled by James VI, and the artillery fortifications of the 16th and 18th centuries. The castle was a favourite royal residence and the birthplace of James II in 1430. Just a short walk from the castle, visit Argyll’s Lodging, a superb mansion built around an earlier core in about 1630 and further extended by the Earl of Argyll in the 1670’s. It is the most impressive town house of its period in Scotland. The principal rooms are now restored to their former glory. If time permits, visit The National Wallace Monument, a location which takes visitors back 700 years in time to the days of Scotland’s first struggle for independence. The story of William Wallace, freedom fighter and national hero, is told along with background and events that shaped this period of history. Climb the 246 steps of the 67-meter high tower for superb panoramic views.

Overnight - Stirling area B&B

Today you will travel south towards Linlithgow. Enjoy a visit at Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and more recently home to the famous fashion house, Chanel’s tenth Métiers d’Art show. Most of the Stewart kings lived at the Palace. Numerous renovations to the palace’s grand facades and chambers were carried out as each sought to create the ideal modern palace.

Overnight - Scottish Borders B&B

Enjoy a full day exploring the truly stunning Scottish Borders. You will visit a variety of Abbey’s today starting with Jedburgh Abbey, one of the border abbeys founded by David 1 in around 1138 for Augustinian canons. The church is mostly in the Romanesque and Gothic styles and is remarkably complete. Remains of the cloister buildings have recently been uncovered and finds from the excavations, including the 12th century ‘Jedburgh comb’ are on display in the award winning visitor centre. Travelling north from Jedburgh, You will visit the ruins of Melrose Abbey, a Cistercian abbey founded by King David I circa 1136. It was largely destroyed by an English army in 1385 but rebuilt in the early 15th century. It is now probably the most famous ruin in Scotland because of the elegant and elaborate stonework which remains. You will finish the day with a visit to Dryburgh Abbey. One of the four famous Borders abbeys and perhaps the most beautiful, founded in the reign of David I. It is also the burial place of Field Marshall Earl Haig and Sir Walter Scott.  

Overnight - Scottish Borders B&B

Unfortunately it is now time to leave Scotland. Return your rental car and join your flight home.